Every Part of Medicare Explained (2026): A, B, C, D and Medigap

The four parts at a glance

Part A — Hospital insurance

• Inpatient hospital care
• Skilled nursing facility care (short-term, after a qualifying hospital stay)
• Hospice
• Certain home health services

Most people pay $0 a month for Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough.

Part B — Medical insurance

• Doctor visits
• Outpatient care
• Preventive services
• Durable medical equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds)

The standard Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90 a month. Higher-income beneficiaries pay more because of an income surcharge called IRMAA.

Part C — Medicare Advantage

A different way to get Medicare, through a private Medicare-approved plan. It provides Part A and Part B coverage and usually includes Part D. Many plans add dental, vision or hearing benefits, but networks, costs and rules vary from plan to plan.

Part D — Prescription drug coverage

Offered by private insurers, so premiums and covered drugs vary. In 2026, out-of-pocket spending on covered Part D drugs is capped at $2,100.

Medigap is different

Medigap is not another "part" of Medicare. It is supplemental insurance that helps pay deductibles, coinsurance and copays left over by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Plans are identified by letters, and each lettered plan offers the same core benefits no matter which company sells it.

You generally cannot have Medigap and Medicare Advantage at the same time.

The part most people miss

Original Medicare has no annual out-of-pocket maximum for Part A and Part B services. Medicare Advantage plans do have a yearly cap.

So choosing between Original Medicare (often with Medigap) and Medicare Advantage isn't just about the monthly premium. The shape of your loved one's future medical costs can be very different — especially with a serious diagnosis or frequent hospital stays.

What Medicare does not pay for

Medicare does not pay for long-term custodial care, such as room, board and personal care in assisted living or a long-term nursing home stay. For those costs, see how to pay for assisted living, Ohio Medicaid eligibility and VA Aid & Attendance.

Get free help in Ohio

Ohio's free Medicare counseling program, OSHIIP, offers unbiased help comparing plans. You can also find elder law and financial professionals in our directory, or call us at (513) 226-9052.